The videos below are supplemental bonus footage of some of Bryce Harper‘s season highlights, featured in the To the Last Man cover article in Issue 12 of Inside Pitch. For the full story, be sure to pick up a copy this homestand at the the ballpark.

7.1.13 vs. Milwaukee Brewers: The Triumphant Return

In the first at-bat of his first game back off the disabled list, Harper hit the second pitch he saw over the left-field wall for a home run, bringing Nationals Park to its feet, demanding a curtain call.

Your browser does not support iframes.

7.25.13 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: The Walk-Off

After opening the game with a terrific diving catch in left, Harper saved the day by blasting his first Major League walk-off home run to snap Washington’s losing streak and beat the Pirates.

Your browser does not support iframes.

8.23.13 at Kansas City: The Comeback

After falling into a 6-0 hole through two innings, the Nationals roared back for their biggest comeback win of the season, thanks in large part to Harper’s team-high three RBI. In the ninth, his sprawling catch helped preserve the one-run win.

The videos below are supplemental bonus footage of some of Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off home runs, featured in the Mr. Walk-Off cover article in Issue 11 of Inside Pitch. For the full story, be sure to pick up a copy this homestand at the the ballpark.

We are putting our own spin on the traditional “10 Questions” format this season. To mix it up a little, we are asking players, front office members, coaches, prospects and others nine questions we think you’d like to know the answer to, then bringing you their responses in written and video form. This Q&A originally appeared in Volume 6, Issue 10 of Inside Pitch.

1. How happy are you to be back in the lineup after missing some games early in the season?

I am very happy because I want to help the team. It’s not easy to watch the game on TV – I’m happy to be back here with my teammates.

2. What emotions did you go through when you hit the go-ahead home run and had 5 RBIs in your first game back?

I was excited. I felt the same way as I did when I played my first game in the Majors. That was a great moment for me.

3. Did that rank among your best games ever? How did it compare with your walk-off base-hit against the Phillies last year and walk-off homerun against the Mariners three years ago?

For me, those three were all special moments. The biggest one was when I hit the walk-off homer, but July 4th was exciting, too.

4. What do you feel are your strongest qualities as a catcher?

My strongest qualities are throwing runners out on the bases, blocking balls in the dirt and just calling the game. I think calling the game is the most important thing for the catcher.

5. What’s your favorite part about calling a game?

The best part is when I put zeroes on the scoreboard. It’s great when I put something down (a sign) and the pitchers trust me.

6. Growing up in Venezuela, who were some players that you looked up to? Did you have any role models?

When I was young, I followed Ivan Rodriguez’s career. Getting an opportunity to play with him here was unbelievable for me. I also followed Miguel Cabrera when I was coming up.

7. Which is better for you – hitting a home run, or blocking the plate to get a guy out at home?

Those two are both good, but I feel most excited when I hit a homer. That’s the better moment for me. Blocking the plate is also good, but you don’t want to get hit, so a homer is better.

8. What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?

Stay healthy. After the surgery last year and two times on the DL this year, I don’t want to think about that. I just want to concentrate on staying healthy for the rest of the season. That’s the most important thing for me right now.

9. Do you have any team goals for the rest of the year?

Make it into the postseason. That’s the first step. You have to make it into the playoffs first, and then fight for the World Series.

We are putting our own spin on the traditional “10 Questions” format this season. To mix it up a little, we are asking players, front office members, coaches, prospects and others nine questions we think you’d like to know the answer to, then bringing you their responses in written and video form. This Q&A originally appeared in Volume 6, Issue 7 of Inside Pitch.

1.After the first two months, how would you describe your 2013 season?

I can tell you I had a lot more fun month two than I did month one. I’m getting closer to where I want to be with each day and each game that goes by.

2. How have your years of experience helped you and your teammates stay relaxed through the good times and bad?

It’s great because I can relay to these guys the importance of not panicking over a small slump. The longer I’ve played, the more I know that when I look back at the year the numbers will be fine, and the production will be there. There’s nothing to worry about.

3. Even when you’re struggling, discuss how your defense never takes a day off.

It is two separate parts of the game. You’ve got to be able to learn not take a bad at-bat into the field, and to not take an error in the field to your next at-bat. If you’re not hitting, you can at least do something productive.

4. Does the fact that the baseball carries farther in warmer weather give you more confidence at the plate?

It’s almost like going to smaller ballparks. The ball flies, so even if you’re in a deep rut there’s a little bit of hope in the back of your mind. You’re thinking, ‘Man, I could miss one here and still hit it off the wall or hit a home run.’ It’s the same thing when it warms up.

5. With the heat rising, do you anticipate your teammates getting hot as well?

They say hitting can be contagious, and I’ve actually seen it over and over. A couple guys get going and other guys get going at the same time. That’s just a part of baseball.

6. With three multi-home run games to your credit already this season, is it any coincidence that you hit them in bunches?

It may have something to do with getting the first one early and going up with a little differ­ent outlook. Confidence is everything in this game. Once you hit one and you’re feeling good that day, you get into that groove.

7. You’ve won a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award. What would it mean to you to add an All-Star appearance to your career accomplishments?

I thought last year I had a good shot — at least I was in the conversation. If and when that happens it would be pretty special to add to the list.

8. As you’ve grown up, how have you found the balance between baseball, family life and your offseason, off-the-field pursuits?

It has been easy for me, it always has. Without going into crazy detail, I’m a religious person. I feel like this is why I was put in this position of playing baseball … to be an influence. I choose not to let the game of baseball dictate who I am as a person.

The video below is supplemental bonus footage of Anthony Rendon‘s first Major League at-bat, featured in the Smile Like You Mean It cover article in Issue 10 of Inside Pitch. For the full story, be sure to pick up a copy this homestand at the the ballpark.

The video below is a supplemental bonus feature for the Gio Gonzalez: Positive Energy cover article in Issue 9 of Inside Pitch. For the full story, be sure to pick up a copy this homestand at the the ballpark.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Plus, check out our District 9 with Ian Krol, where he reveals the mystery behind his Twitter handle.

The video below is a supplemental bonus feature for the Jordan Zimmermann: Star Turn cover article in Issue 8 of Inside Pitch. For the full story, be sure to pick up a copy this homestand at the the ballpark.

OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE NATIONALS

Welcome to Curly W Live, the official blog of the Washington Nationals. With player interviews, special features and other unique, behind-the-scenes content, this is your exclusive window to all things Nationals all year round.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.